Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Partners Provide Midwest Fire training

For 7 days in Fort McCoy, WI, 28 instructors from Federal, tribal, state, and local entities successfully delivered hands-on training in prescribed fire and wildfire engine operations for 36 government employees, non-government organizations, and private contractors.

The Midwest Interagency Engine Academy, held in early June, was co-sponsored by the FWS Fire Program, FWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program, The Nature Conservancy, and the WI Prescribed Fire Council.

Training was based upon the Portable Pumps and Water Use Course (S-211), approved by the National Wildfire Coordinating group (NWCG), which maintains and certifies all interagency training and qualification standards. Students completed a series of field exercises and a final written examination. The Academy concluded with a live fire exercise. Graduates demonstrated the skills to safely and effectively support fire operations, using a variety of water delivery equipment.

The Academy will likely be held every 2 years. For more information, please contact Tom Zellmer, R3 Central Zone Fire Management Officer at office number 608-742-7100 x12, or email, tom_zellmer@fws.gov.